GOAL 3: STRENGTHEN PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIPS FOR EDUCATION
MILESTONE 2: The district has processes in place for stakeholder input in systemwide policy development, strategic planning, budget development, and implementation of district initiatives.
DATA POINT: Hearing, Meeting, and Forum Participation
OVERVIEW
The Montgomery County Board of Education and superintendent of schools have established multiple processes to engage stakeholders in decision-making processes, including the development of policies, the MCPS strategic plan, and the operating and capital budgets. The Board schedules annual meetings with the Montgomery County Region of Student Councils, Montgomery County Junior Councils, Student Government Association presidents, Montgomery County Council of PTAs, Montgomery County Association of Administrative and Supervisory Personnel, Montgomery County Education Association, SEIU Local 500, and PTA clusters (the latter on a rotating basis). The Board also gathers informally with other elected and appointed officials and education, civic, and community organizations. The Board holds hearings on the operating budget, the capital budget and Capital Improvements Program, and proposed school boundary changes, as well as special public hearings on issues it determines to be of widespread interest. In addition, the Board conducts strategic planning/operating budget forums in which parents, students, staff, and community members participate and provide feedback. The Board provides time at its business meetings for the public to comment on educational issues and other matters.
In accordance with Policy BFA, Policysetting, the Board of Education involves stakeholders in the development or revision of policies and provides opportunities for citizens and staff to comment. This feedback is considered before the Board takes final action on any policy. During 2006–2007 the Board took final action on the following policies: ABA, Community Involvement; IOB, Education of Students with Disabilities; IEB, Middle School Education; FAA, Naming School Facilities; GDA, Preemployment Physical Examinations; IEA, Framework and Structure of Early Childhood and Elementary Education; and JFA, Student Rights and Responsibilities.
| Public Testimony |
| Number of persons |
2004–2005 |
2005–2006 |
2006–2007 |
| Providing testimony at Board public hearings |
n/a |
227 |
217 |
| Providing testimony at Board meetings during public comments |
n/a |
232 |
137 |
| Participating in Board Strategic Plan forums |
194 |
139 |
161 |
| Providing comments on public policy |
576 |
94 |
126 |